Halloween Horror Nights 2022 serves themed food and cocktails including The Weeknd bar, Killer Klowns BBQ, Plaza de los Muertos, plus exclusive merchandise Sep 8-Oct 31.
When Universal Studios Hollywood transforms into Halloween Horror Nights, the terror extends far beyond haunted houses and scare zones—it infiltrates every aspect of the guest experience, including what you eat, drink, and take home.
Running select nights from Thursday, September 8 through Monday, October 31, this year’s event tempts guests with a horror-inspired culinary menu and exclusive merchandise themed to the 2022 attractions that prove Halloween entertainment operates on every sensory level.
For upscale foodies, cocktail enthusiasts, and cultural observers from Beverly Hills to West Hollywood to Santa Monica who appreciate when themed experiences commit completely to their concepts, Halloween Horror Nights 2022 delivers immersive dining and shopping that honors both horror aesthetics and LA’s diverse food culture.
From The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare Bar serving mixed drinks named for the artist’s tracks in a late-night club atmosphere, to Killer BBQ From Outer Space offering circus-themed fare including a shareable 22″ all-beef hot dog and Acid Pie, to the returning Plaza de los Muertos celebrating Dia de Los Muertos with craft cocktails served in light-up skull mugs and authentic Mexican street food—every culinary experience enhances rather than distracts from the horror immersion.
Here’s your complete guide to eating, drinking, and shopping your way through Universal’s most terrifying—and most delicious—event of the year.
The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare Bar—Late-Night Club Vibes Meet Horror Cocktails
Fans of The Weeknd who bravely step into his all-new haunted house for an unprecedented experience can follow the Blinding Lights to The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare Bar—a space reminiscent of the late-night clubs featured in The Weeknd’s music videos and short films.
This themed bar represents Universal’s increasing sophistication in creating complete experiential environments. Rather than generic “scary bar,” The Weeknd bar draws directly from the artist’s visual universe—the dark, neon-lit, morally ambiguous nightclub spaces that appear throughout his After Hours era videos like “Blinding Lights,” “In Your Eyes,” and “Too Late.”
Guests can enjoy mixed drinks aptly named for The Weeknd’s tracks—expect cocktails referencing songs like “Blinding Lights,” “After Hours,” “Heartless,” “Save Your Tears,” and others from his catalog. The naming convention creates fun-loving scavenger hunt for fans who recognize every reference while remaining accessible to casual listeners who simply appreciate well-crafted cocktails in atmospheric settings.
The bar also serves light bites such as pizza fries—the kind of indulgent, shareable snack food that fits perfectly with late-night club culture. For upscale audiences who’ve attended The Weeknd’s stadium tours or experienced his music in high-end nightclub settings, this bar offers familiar aesthetic translated into Halloween Horror Nights context.
The integration of artist-specific theming into food and beverage programming demonstrates how contemporary theme park experiences blur lines between attractions, dining, and retail—creating comprehensive branded environments where every element reinforces the central concept
Killer BBQ From Outer Space: Circus-Themed Dining Inspired by Cult Classic
Inspired by the nearby “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” haunted house, Halloween Horror Nights: Killer BBQ From Outer Space transforms dining into extension of the 1988 cult classic film’s bizarre carnival aesthetic.
The circus-themed eatery serves a variety of savory and sweet items that balance horror theming with genuine flavor appeal:
Savory Options:
- BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich – comfort food classic with horror twist
- Loaded Mac & Cheese – indulgent, shareable side
- Shareable 22″ All-Beef Hot Dog – carnival excess meets Instagram-worthy presentation
- Loaded Nachos – theme park staple elevated for Halloween
Sweet Options:
- Funnel Fries – funnel cake reimagined as fries, delivering carnival nostalgia
- Acid Pie – presumably inspired by the film’s cotton candy cocoon weapons
- Specialty cocktails themed to the Killer Klowns universe
The 22″ all-beef hot dog deserves special attention—this isn’t subtle theming; it’s commitment to the absurd, excessive carnival spirit that defines Killer Klowns from Outer Space. The film’s tone balances genuine horror with dark comedy and surreal imagery, and this oversized hot dog captures that energy perfectly.
Killer Klowns aficionados will also scream in delight for Jojo’s Ice Cream, dishing out tasty treats inspired by the horror-comedy:
- Killer Kone – ice cream served in themed cone
- Ruijing Popkorn Shake – referencing the film’s killer popcorn weapons
- Acid Pie Shake – drinkable version of the dessert
For foodies and horror fans who appreciate when themed dining commits fully to source material rather than offering generic “spooky” versions of standard theme park food, Killer BBQ and Jojo’s Ice Cream demonstrate genuine creative effort. According to Universal Studios Hollywood, food and beverage programming has become increasingly important to theme park experiences, with guests seeking Instagram-worthy presentations and authentic flavors alongside thematic immersion.
Plaza de los Muertos: Celebrating LA’s Diverse Culture with Authentic Mexican Cuisine
In celebration of Los Angeles’ diverse culture, Plaza de los Muertos returns to Universal Plaza—and this year’s expanded offering demonstrates Universal’s commitment to honoring Mexican traditions rather than simply appropriating aesthetics.
Guests can toast the living and the dead with two bar options:
Dia de Los Muertos Bar serves craft cocktails including:
- Calavera Juice – presumably featuring tequila or mezcal with vibrant fruit flavors
- Sugar Skull Punch – shareable punch bowl presentation
- Smoked Margarita served in festive light-up skull mug – combining theatrical presentation with quality cocktail craft
- Michelada – authentic Mexican beer cocktail featuring lime, spices, and tomato juice
The new Margarita Bar serves an assortment of libations:
- Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita – fusion approach combining vodka with margarita format
- Muerte Margarita – death-themed twist on classic
- Variety of frozen margarita options – perfect for warm Southern California evenings
The Little Cocina offers an array of authentic Mexican street food:
- Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce – honoring the birria trend that’s dominated LA food culture
- Cheese Tamale – traditional preparation
- Esquites – Mexican street corn served in cup
- Churro Bites – portable version of beloved dessert
- Chamoy Pineapple Spears – sweet, salty, spicy, sour flavor profile beloved in Mexican cuisine
Additionally, a light-up Sugar Skull popcorn bucket with free refills will be available for purchase—combining collectible souvenir with practical value.
For Los Angeles’ substantial Mexican and Latinx community, and for cultural enthusiasts who appreciate when Halloween programming honors Dia de Los Muertos traditions respectfully, Plaza de los Muertos represents meaningful inclusion. The food isn’t Americanized Tex-Mex approximations—it’s authentic Mexican street food and properly crafted cocktails served in atmosphere celebrating rather than caricaturing the culture.
This approach reflects Universal’s understanding that Los Angeles audiences expect cultural authenticity and sophisticated flavor alongside themed entertainment. You’re not choosing between genuine Mexican cuisine and Halloween theming—you’re getting both, with each element enhancing the other.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options for Every Appetite
The Halloween Horror Nights terrifying event menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items for those with every type of appetite—a commitment that matters enormously for upscale audiences throughout Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica where dietary restrictions and preferences are common.
Rather than treating plant-based and gluten-free options as afterthoughts, Universal ensures these items integrate seamlessly into the horror-themed dining experience. Whether you’re vegetarian by choice, vegan for ethical reasons, or navigating celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Halloween Horror Nights provides delicious options that don’t compromise theming or flavor.
This inclusive approach reflects contemporary expectations that premium entertainment experiences accommodate diverse dietary needs without forcing guests to settle for limited, uninspired alternatives. According to the Plant Based Foods Association, plant-based food sales continue growing dramatically, driven by health, environmental, and ethical considerations. Theme parks that fail to offer quality vegetarian and vegan options risk alienating significant segments of their audience.
Voodoo Doughnut Joins the Festivities
Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk partakes in the terrifying festivities with seasonal specials that bring their signature irreverent style to Halloween:
- Ghost decorated yeast doughnut
- Jack-o-Lantern decorated yeast doughnut
- Tombstone decorated yeast doughnut
- Halloween Sprinkle cake doughnut
For guests arriving early or departing late, Voodoo Doughnut provides sweet treats that extend the Halloween Horror Nights experience beyond the theme park gates. The Portland-based chain’s quirky, slightly dark aesthetic fits perfectly with horror theming while maintaining their distinctive brand identity.
Exclusive Merchandise: From Haunted House Apparel to Universal Monsters Collectibles
Halloween Horror Nights guests can elevate their experience with variety of apparel, souvenirs, drinkware, and collectibles featuring their favorite haunted houses as well as items from the artist signature series showcasing the legendary Universal Monsters.
This comprehensive merchandise strategy ensures fans can take home tangible memories from specific houses they loved—whether that’s The Weeknd-themed apparel, Killer Klowns collectibles, or La Llorona souvenirs. The artist signature series featuring Universal Monsters (Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Creature from the Black Lagoon) provides higher-end collectibles for serious horror fans and Universal history enthusiasts.
For the first time ever at Universal Studios Hollywood, merchandise based on fan-favorite character Lil Boo celebrating “Every Day is Halloween” will debut in stores. Lil Boo, Universal Orlando’s beloved ghost mascot who appears as a young trick-or-treater in vintage costume, has developed cult following among Halloween Horror Nights devotees. Bringing Lil Boo merchandise to Hollywood acknowledges cross-coast fan communities and provides West Coast fans access to character previously exclusive to Orlando.
For collectors and enthusiasts who treat theme park merchandise as genuine collectibles rather than disposable souvenirs, Halloween Horror Nights offers items worth acquiring—limited-edition pieces that commemorate specific years and houses, artist-designed collectibles that appreciate in value, and character merchandise that builds community among fans.
Ticket Options: Maximizing Your Terrifying Experience
Halloween Horror Nights tickets purchased online or at the Universal Studios Hollywood Front Gate provide guests with Early Event Admission to select houses, beginning at 6pm each night (subject to change).
Various ticket options accommodate different budgets and desired experiences:
- General Admission – standard entry with regular queue access
- Universal Express – one-time express access to each haunted house, Terror Tram, ride, and attraction
- After 2pm Day/Night – theme park access transitioning into Halloween Horror Nights
- R.I.P. Tour – premium VIP experience with expert guided tour and exclusive access
- Frequent Fear Pass – multiple-night access for guests who want to experience scares repeatedly
- Ultimate Fear Pass – maximum flexibility for serious Halloween Horror Nights enthusiasts
For more information about each ticket type and terms and conditions, visit HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
The horror also comes to life on the east coast at Universal Orlando Resort with 10 terrifying haunted houses, running select nights through Monday, October 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the themed food and beverage locations at Halloween Horror Nights 2022?
A: Themed dining includes The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare Bar (cocktails and pizza fries), Killer BBQ From Outer Space (BBQ pulled chicken sandwich, 22″ hot dog, loaded mac & cheese, funnel fries, Acid Pie), Jojo’s Ice Cream (Killer Kone, Ruijing Popkorn Shake, Acid Pie Shake), Plaza de los Muertos with Dia de Los Muertos Bar and Margarita Bar (craft cocktails in light-up skull mugs), and The Little Cocina (birria tacos, tamales, esquites, churro bites, chamoy pineapple spears). Voodoo Doughnut at CityWalk offers Halloween-themed doughnuts.
Q: Does Halloween Horror Nights offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options?
A: Yes. The Halloween Horror Nights menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items throughout the event for guests with dietary restrictions and preferences. Universal ensures these options integrate seamlessly into the horror-themed dining experience rather than serving as limited afterthoughts.
Q: What exclusive merchandise is available at Halloween Horror Nights 2022?
A: Merchandise includes apparel, souvenirs, drinkware, and collectibles featuring specific haunted houses, plus artist signature series showcasing legendary Universal Monsters. For the first time at Universal Studios Hollywood, merchandise featuring fan-favorite character Lil Boo celebrating “Every Day is Halloween” debuts in stores. A light-up Sugar Skull popcorn bucket with free refills is also available.
Q: When does Halloween Horror Nights 2022 run and how do I get tickets?
A: Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights Thursday, September 8 through Monday, October 31 at Universal Studios Hollywood. Tickets purchased online or at the Front Gate provide Early Event Admission to select houses beginning at 6pm (subject to change). Ticket options include General Admission, Universal Express, After 2pm Day/Night, R.I.P. Tour, Frequent Fear Pass, and Ultimate Fear Pass. Visit HalloweenHorrorNights.com for complete information and to purchase tickets.
Eat, Drink, and Shop Your Way Through Horror’s Premier Event
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood proves that truly immersive entertainment experiences extend far beyond primary attractions—they infiltrate every guest interaction, from the cocktails you sip to the food you share to the merchandise you take home.
The 2022 food and beverage programming demonstrates sophisticated understanding of contemporary audiences: upscale guests expect quality cocktails and authentic flavors, cultural celebrations should honor rather than appropriate traditions, dietary restrictions require genuine accommodation, and themed dining should enhance rather than distract from overall experience.
Whether you’re following Blinding Lights to The Weeknd bar for artist-inspired cocktails, sharing that absurdly huge 22″ hot dog at Killer BBQ From Outer Space, toasting the living and dead with craft margaritas in light-up skull mugs at Plaza de los Muertos, or collecting exclusive Universal Monsters merchandise and Lil Boo souvenirs, every element contributes to comprehensive horror entertainment that engages all senses.
Halloween Horror Nights begins Thursday, September 8 and runs select nights through Monday, October 31. Visit HalloweenHorrorNights.com to purchase tickets, explore dining options, and plan your most deliciously terrifying nights of the year.
The horror is calling. And this year, it’s serving exceptional food and drinks while you scream.
